As the average parenting age in the U.S. continues to rise, many middle-aged Americans move into a category known as the “sandwich generation.”
So, exactly what is the sandwich generation? It’s a growing population of adults who become caregivers for their aging parents while they are still raising their own kids.
The Rising Numbers of Sandwich Generation Caregivers
According to recent data from the AARP Public Policy Institute, there are about 40 million people providing caregiver services to an elder member of their family.
- The average sandwich generation caregiver is 44 years old.
- The sandwich generation provides an average of 20 hours of care per week, enough to qualify as a part-time job.
- 74 percent of family caregivers have full- or part-time jobs in addition to their childcare and elder care duties.
The strain of managing the affairs of both children and parents can become overwhelming. However, the following tips can help make this challenging life stage more manageable.
Assess the Financial Situation
Navigating the financial landscape can be challenging when you’re juggling responsibilities for both your household and an aging parent. It’s crucial to take the time to fully grasp your financial situation and how caring for your parent fits into your family’s future plans.
By partnering with a professional, you can gain clarity on how your caregiving role impacts your financial trajectory. Our comprehensive estate planning process ensures your legal, financial, and insurance needs are covered appropriately. A proactive approach helps you prepare for what’s ahead, minimizing unexpected hurdles and ensuring a smoother journey for both you and your loved ones.
Plan Ahead
As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” If you’re assisting your aging parent with their estate plan, now is the perfect time to create yours as well. Be sure to include:
- A Last Will and Testament explicitly stating your wishes for your property after your death
- A Kids Protection Plan designating a legal guardian for your minor children if you’re suddenly incapacitated or pass away
- A Healthcare Power of Attorney appointing a trusted person to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated
- A Financial Power of Attorney designating a trusted person to make financial decisions if you’re incapacitated
- A Living Will outlining your wishes for end-of-life care and lifesaving interventions
Look Out for Red Flags
If your aging parent is still capable, create a plan together on how you will handle physical and financial tasks now and when you should reassess these roles. Keep in mind parents might not want to have these discussions because they don’t want to be perceived as “old” or fragile. If that’s the case, you need to be on the lookout for signs that things are falling through the cracks.
Some common red flags you should be watching out for include:
- Memory Problems. Forgetting important appointments, recent events, or regular tasks like taking medication can indicate early-onset dementia.
- Physical Changes. Watch out for sudden weight loss or gain, unexplained bruises, difficulty walking or moving, and poor personal hygiene.
- Changes in Eating Habits. Loss of appetite, significant weight loss, or neglecting to prepare meals can indicate physical or mental health issues that require attention.
- Behavioral Changes. Increased irritability, mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, or sudden mood changes could be signs of underlying issues such as depression or anxiety.
- Neglect of Finances. Unopened bills, unpaid bills, unusual spending patterns, or letters from creditors may suggest difficulty managing money.
- Poor Housekeeping or Hygiene. Neglect of household chores, bathing, brushing teeth, changing clothes, or clutter that poses safety hazards can indicate trouble managing daily tasks.
- Poor Medication Management. Missing doses of medication, confusion about dosage instructions, or expired medications may indicate the need for assistance in managing medications.
- Lost Mobility. Struggling with stairs, frequent falls, or difficulty getting in and out of chairs may indicate lost physical strength or balance issues.
- Disregard for Personal Safety. Ignoring safety precautions at home, such as leaving appliances on, forgetting to lock doors, or disregarding hazards, may indicate cognitive decline or physical limitations.
Practice Good Self-Care
Stress and exhaustion are unfortunately common when caring for two generations at once. Hard as it may be, your physical health is essential for managing the demands of caregiving. Make YOU a priority by scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. You can also ease feeling of caregiver burnout by:
- Setting Boundaries. Establish clear boundaries between your caregiving responsibilities and your personal life. It’s okay to say no to additional tasks or requests if they are beyond your capacity. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and allows you to recharge.
- Seeking Support. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from family members, friends, or support groups. A strong support network can provide emergency assistance, emotional relief, and opportunities for respite.
- Taking Breaks. Schedule regular breaks to rest, relax, and engage in activities you enjoy. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness, taking time for yourself is crucial for maintaining mental well-being.
- Practicing Self-Compassion. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that caregiving can be challenging. Avoid self-criticism and perfectionism. Instead, treat yourself with the same understanding and empathy you would offer to others in similar circumstances.
Our Legal Team Helps Lighten the Load on the Sandwich Generation
When we plan for our family’s future, all we can do is hope for the best—and be prepared for the worst. A little planning goes a long way, giving you comfort and much-needed assistance when you need it most. Remember: you don’t have to do it alone!
Now is the perfect time to review your current finances in light of your future responsibilities. We don’t just draft your documents; we help you make informed decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. Email us at [email protected] today or schedule a 15-minute call to find out how we can help.